Bi-Polar.com markets t-shirts & mugs on the lighter side of bipolar disorder
Title
Bi-Polar Greetings: cards, gifts, shirts and mugs from Bi-polar.com
Description
Bi-Polar greeting cards, t-shirts and coffee mugs for relief from manic depression. Bipolar shirts, mugs, gifts and greeting cards at Bi-polar.com
Languages
English
Additional Information
About The Founder
Mr. Low Note,founder and president of Bi-Polar Greetings,wasn't bestowed with the nickname "Mr. Low Note" because of his occasional, managed bouts with depression. Rather, he was given the moniker by legendary bluesman Roy Alstad for Maland's professional prowess on the bass guitar. For blues enthusiasts in the Midwest during the 1970s, "Mr.Low Note" was a ubiquitous presence, still fondly remembered for his work with acts ranging from the Mill City Blues Band to the late, great Roberta Davis.
Maland left the grind of the road in the late 1970s in order to raise his three young children, while veering into a highly successful career as a studio musician in the always bustling Minneapolis music scene spearheaded by Prince, and as a writer of commercial jingles. So popular was his work proven among corporate clients that he picked up yet another moniker in the industry - "The Jingle-o" - as well as over 250 commissions.
During the early years of Bi-Polar Greetings, Maland's commercial music work subsidized the company. The company is his way to de-stigmatize the disorder. Though there are several gradations of Bipolar Disorder, Maland has always been,in his words, "a classic Type T Personality with a little bit of the Judy Garland," meaning that he is susceptible to abnormal highs and bottom-scraping lows that can be characteristic of Bipolar Disorder.
"Bipolar Disorder is and can be serious," he says, "but most Bipolars, myself included, maintain unique lives. We are a population that includes some of our most famed writers, musicians,and artists...as well as untold millions leading productive, creative existences. For example, whoever wrote, 'when I want rain, I get sunny weather, I'm just as blue as the sky...guess I'll hang my tears out to dry"...such a glorious piece of lyric writing that was obviously not written by some 9-5 guy. If I had the chance to wish the disorder off and away from me, I wouldn't. When I think about being normal, I get depressed."
Though neither a psycho-pharmacologist or psychiatrist, Maland has his own ingredient to add to the drug/talk "cocktail" most often prescribed for patients with Bipolar Disorder. "Bi-Polar Greetings' focus is on the idea that laughter is one of the best ways out of the abyss, he says."I say 'don't hit the panic button,' he continues with a joshing wink,'always hit the manic button!"
Interview, written by famed Author, Neal Karlen Fall of 2000
